The Backyard Mechanic

Required and Suggested Tools & Supplies List

There is more to maintaining a vehicle than just looking under the hood. Almost every job you do will take some sort tool or equipment. One may be able to complete a task without tools, but it will never be easy and most of the time it will be a fail.

 

With this in mind, here's a list of tools everyone should have. These are at a minimum, with optional items to make the jobs safer and easier following.

 

If a student is uneasy about getting their needed supplies, I am available to help figure out what will be needed and go to the store and help for the nominal fee of $25. 

 

Required Tools (with approximate prices):

Repair Manual: (Chilton or Haynes etc.) $30

  Basic Tool Set: $25-$100

•     12 Piece - 1/4" Drive SAE & Metric Sockets

•     12 Piece - 3/8" Drive SAE & Metric Sockets

•     3/8" x 1/4" Adapter

•     Screwdriver Coupler

•     3/8" Drive Ratchet Handle

•     3/8" Drive 5/8" Spark Plug Socket

•     24 Piece - Assorted Bits

•     Electrical Test Light

•     Knife

•     Electrical Pliers/Wire Strippers

•     Wire brush

•     16 Piece - SAE & Metric Hex Key Set

•     Electricl tape

  Battery Brush: $3.99

  Oil Filter Wrench: $3.00 and up depending on filter type.

  Sealable Oil Drain Pan: $10

  Anti-Freeze Tester: $5

 

Optional Tools:

Jack stands: $25

Car ramps: $50

Hydraulic Floor Jack: $35.00

 

Supplies:

Oil filter: $4 and up depending on model and brand

Air filter: $8 and up depending on model and brand

Oil: $4 a 1 qt. and up

       $20 5 qt. on up.

Some vehicles have other filters that can also be addressed.

 

Optional Supplies:

These items are not necessary for the class unless indicated while performing the maintenance. Purchase these to have them on hand whenever you might need them.

 

Brake Fluid 

Transmission Fluid

Power Steering Fluid

Carburetor Cleaner

Brake Cleaner